Jun 23, 2015 3 min read

The transformation of the Pennsylvania Rebellion pitching staff appears to be complete.

Only Dallas Escobedo, the top pick in last year’s draft, remains from last year’s rotation.

The latest addition is Haylie Wagner, a left-hander who helped the University of Michigan to the NCAA Division I finals, where the Wolverines lost to Florida, 4-1. The official signing date for Wagner was June 16, but she had been in Western Pennsylvania a week before that to settle in.

“I was definitely aware (the Rebellion) were interested,” said Wagner. “They contacted my coach at Michigan (Carol Hutchins).”

Wagner started the final game against Florida, ending a magnificent college career where she had a 100-18 record as a four-year starter. She ranks third among the Wolverines’ all-time wins leaders and fourth with a career .847 winning percentage. Wagner had a career 1.82 ERA, with 518 strikeouts and 20 shutouts.

“I knew about the (National Pro Fastpitch) league,” Wagner said. “I got to watch some games over the summer. This has been a big change, from college to professional. But I still get to play softball.”

Wagner has made one appearance for the Rebellion, pitching three innings and getting the save in a 3-2 win over the Dallas Charge June 18.

“There is definitely better competition here,” said Wagner. “It’s a lot harder. This is a higher step up.”

Rebellion manager Craig Montvidas said Wagner’s talents were not a secret.

“She was on everyone’s (draft) list,” said Montvidas. “We were surprised when no one picked her. Their coaches said she was interested, so when she wasn’t drafted, we got in touch with them and she came down and worked out with the team. It was a long process.”

The Rebellion pitching staff is now comprised of Wagner, Escobedo, Emma Johnson, Dagmar Bloeming, Emily Weiman and Allyson Fournier. From last year’s roster, the Rebellion released Anna Miller, Angel Bunner and Bryana Walker and traded Sarah Pauly and Tatum Edwards. That group combined for a 9-39 record and 4.35 ERA.

“We’re building a good young staff,” said Montvidas. “Haylie did a good job in relief for us and she be will part of the rotation. She doesn’t walk many people and she keeps people off balance with her pitches. They all move. There are a lot of strange balls when she pitches.”

Wagner throws a curve that hovers between 66 and 68 mph, a screwball and change. She has been working on her game since the youth leagues in her hometown of Orange, Calif.

So how did a woman who rarely saw snow decide on Michigan to play softball?

“Michigan found me,” she said. “They came and saw me pitch and invited me out. I fell in love with the place.”

Wagner helped the Wolverines to four NCAA tournaments, including one that put her up against Escobedo last year. The run this season was their best effort while she was there.

“In my sophomore season, we made it to the super region and I pulled a muscle and couldn’t pitch in the world series,” she said.

Wagner said she will judge her success with the Rebellion not with her wins but by team wins.

“I want to do my best to compete,” said Wagner. “I just want to do what I can to help this team to win.”